The past year has had the lot for us bikers. There’s been the grip and endless sunshine of the best biking summer since 1976, amazing places to ride to and also, wonderful bikes to do it on. Things have never been better.

There’s something special about riding at night…as long asyou can actually see, that is. Chasing the cone of light along unlit lanes, bats pinwheeling off into the night sky, the occasional fox glimpsed slinking away into the undergrowth. All good as long as there are no deer leaping out at you…

Everyone has one. Sometimes it’s the leather jacket they started riding in, or maybe one they saved to buy to go with a particular bike. But more often than not — especially for year-round riders or those who do a lot of miles — the coat of choice turns out to be a textile…

When you look at the toughest adventure event in the world, the Dakar Rally, the bikes are all 450s now. They’re a far cry from the tribe of road-focused 1200cc road bikes that has evolved from the earlier generations of desert racers.

Though Spain and Portugal are a long way from the UK, the riding is so good and the rest of the experience so outstanding that it is always worth going – and with this guide, touring there should be effortless….

Motorcycling is increasingly full of extreme contrasts and it’s all the better for it. Whether you want a hi-tech, high-speed sports tourer or a traditional roadster, big on charisma but free of unnecessary frills, there’s a bike for you

This issue is a bit different. It’s where we look back at the best bits of 2017, from life with the year’s test bikes to brilliant products and great rides – including some of your trips. With a summer that was actually sunny, it seems 2017 was a properly memorable year for lots of us.

This month, Martin and the test team headed to the Dales with three great sports tourers. From popular biking routes to back lanes, they found brilliant roads highlighting the strengths – and the weaknesses – of their bikes.

In this issue we take a look at some of the alternatives available to the BMW R1200GS, Britain’s favourite large-capacity motorbike, such as Yamaha Super Ténéré, Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and the great-value used dual-sport machines on offer.

Inside the July issue, Matt investigates the second-hand market, we have tested the Aprilia Tuono V4, Yamaha SCR950, Honda CB1100RS and more. Plus there's a free 32 page New Rider supplement, with everything you need to know to start riding.